With reference to the recent developments in science, which one of the following statements is not correct?

Let's analyze each statement about recent developments in science:

A) Functional chromosomes can be created by joining segments of DNA taken from cells of different species. This statement is generally not correct in the broad sense it implies. While genetic engineering allows for the creation of recombinant DNA (joining DNA from different sources) and the insertion of genes or even synthetic chromosomes into organisms (e.g., yeast artificial chromosomes, bacterial artificial chromosomes), creating a full, functional chromosome by simply 'joining segments of DNA from different species' that then functions normally as a native chromosome in a new cell is exceedingly complex and not a routine or broadly achieved capability. The complexity of chromosome structure, replication, and segregation means simple 'joining' does not guarantee functionality. B) Pieces of artificial functional DNA can be created in laboratories. This statement is correct. Synthetic biology allows scientists to create new DNA sequences from scratch (de novo synthesis) or modify existing ones to design and build new biological parts, devices, and systems. This includes creating artificial genes or even entire functional genomes (e.g., synthetic bacteria). C) A piece of DNA taken out from an animal cell can be made to replicate outside a living cell in a laboratory. This statement is correct. Techniques like Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) allow scientists to make millions to billions of copies of a specific DNA segment in a test tube, outside of a living organism, without the need for a host cell for replication. D) Cells taken out from plants and animals can be made to undergo cell division in laboratory petri dishes. This statement is correct. This is the basis of cell culture, a widely used technique in biological research where plant and animal cells are grown and maintained under controlled conditions in vitro (outside their natural environment), allowing them to proliferate and divide. Therefore, the statement that is NOT correct is A.